Laughing Jack

From AJS.COM

This NPC or NPC group is part of the Than Greyhawk Dungeons & Dragons role playing game.

Laughing Jack was a pirate operating out of the Woolly Bay for about three years until his defeat by a band of adventurers and mercenary soldiers four years ago.

History

The man who came to be known as Laughing Jack was given the name Marduke Halberstam at birth. He was a half-elf, born to a half-elf family of noble bearing and strong local influence in Fax. Marduke's wife Yverna was also half-elven; together, they raised three children, Yvonne, Hummel and Jess.

Marduke's upbringing put him under much pressure to succeed in his job and his community. He made certain that his children were well-educated, and he worked hard at shipbuilding, showing little proficiency for his parents' lines of work. Unable to become everything he thought he should be, Marduke eventually snapped from the pressure.

Laughing Jack's Piracy

He became the captain of a pirate vessel and raided both coasts of the Woolly Bay, gathering wealth and a fearful reputation. His unhinged cackles at strange moments gave Marduke the name Laughing Jack. Though the power of money and fear fulfilled some of his dreams, Laughing Jack knew that the people of his hometown still didn't respect him. He decided in his insanity that his family there must be spreading lies about him, and sent thugs to murder them and burn their home.

Hummel and Yvonne escaped the attack, but their brother and mother died in agony. The town's response to the travesty was to hire a tracker - the elf-maid Ha'miel - and a troop of soldiers to end Laughing Jack's life. Hummel, who was already asking to be called Joshua Trueshot to distance himself from his father's treachery, joined the mercenaries. Laughing Jack was able to flee one battle on his ship, but soon Fate caught up with him and he was slain in a second fight. He was insane to the end, and his son offered him the final mercy.